P s 

6'55 



fHE WIFE AND 
THE SWORD. 



AN HISTORICAL TRAGEDY- 
DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. 



By DR. ALBERT CARR. 

The plot of this drama is based 
upon certain events recorded in 
Roman history, and said to have 
transpired about 400 B.C. In the 
construction of this drama such 
license was taken with this his- 
tory as seemed essential to con- 
sistent narrative and unity of 
plot. The civilized Romans called 
the Cfauls, the barbarians. The 
strugfg-le of the noble ag'ainst sel- 
fish pride and barbarism is the 
th«me of our story. 

HILL CITV S. D. 

1909. 




nias^ "P.S 4 3 5 
Goiiyright 1^" 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



THE WIFE AHD THE SWORD- 



AN HISTORICAL TRAGEDY- 
DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. 



By DR. ALBERT CARR. 

Author of the following published 
dramas: The Irish Prince; The 
Shining Mystery; The Bed- 
rock Flume; The Miner's 
Dream 



Copyright^ 1909^ by Albert Carr. 



PUBLJSHED AT 

HILL CITY S. D. 
1909. 






lA 



CAST OF CHAHACTERS. 

(!^AMILLIUS. (yonsul general of the Roman 
army. 

PAPIRIUS. An aged Roman senator 

MANLIU8. A wealthy and dietingaiehed 
Roman commander. 

COSITS . A Roman patriciall. Proud and ornel . 

Formerly, dictator. 
SULPICIUS. A rich patrician money-lender. 
BRENNUS. Chief of the Gauls. 
MUCIUS. A Roman centurion. 
C0MINIU8. A brav* young Roman. 
OFFICER. Roman ofificer of the guard. 

1 SOLDIER. ) 

V Wounded Roman soldiers. 

2 SOLDIER, ) 

FOREMAN. Of the citizen's jury. 
PATRICIAN, Leader of patrician jury, 

1 CITIZEN. . 

2 CITIZEN. J- Roman citizens. 

3 CITIZEN 



;( 



MARCELLA, Wife of. Manlius and grand- 
daughter' of Papirius, 

LAURINDA. Daughter of Mucins. Beloved of 
Cominiui. 

Aged senators. Patrician nobles. Roman 

ofificers and soldi*rs. Gaulish warriors. 

Roman citizens and rabble. 



CID 17749 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 

ACT I. 

SCENE I. The house of Manlius in 
Rome. 

Enter cosus and ^ulpicius, L. 

SulpiciUB. Thou shouldst be dictator, 
now, Cosus. Rome needs the disciphne 
of tby firm band. 

Cosus. I should be, and would be, 
Sulpicius, had my friends been less con- 
fident. Manlius secretly stirred the peo- 
ple against me, and old Papirius quietly 
opposed me in the senate. I was 
defeated, and Camillius made consul. 

Sulpicius. Papirius is Marcellas's 
grandfather. 

Cosus, It was through her, that 
Manlius was brought into the conspiracy 
against me. 

Sulpicius, It is four months since 
Marcella became his wife. 



4 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 

CoBus. And six, since she rejected 
thee. There is the coiumander's house. 
There, he is passing his nuptial year 
with his young wife, — Marcella. 

Sulpicius. This marriage quite un- 
manned me. 

Cosus. Think not of it! 

Sulpicius, 'Tis easier said than done. 
I love Marcella still, 

Cosus. Porget her. Erase her from 
thy mind. Hath Camillius been heard 
from? 

Sulpicius. The last report received 
from him by the senate, he and his 
army were marching north along the 
Tiber. It it is rumored, the Gauls are 
advancing towards our borders. 

Cosus, Then, Camilliue is advancing 
to intercept them, 

Sulpicius. That is the supposition. 

Cosus. [Aside.] If they meet, there 
will be a battle. Camillius may never 
return. 

Sulpicius. I have been privately in- 
formed, that Manlius hath been ordered 
to join Camillius with the four remain- 
ing cohorts. That will leave the city 
defenseless. 



THE WIPE AND THE SWORD. 5 

Cosus. When does the commander 
depart? 

Sulpicius. Today. 

Cosus. Good! When he is gone, thou 
canst resume thy siege. It is often 
easier to corrupt a matron, than to win 
a maid. 

Sulpicius. If money will buy her, Til 
bid high. 

Cosus. The influence of this clique 
must be overcome. We will connive 
together, Sulpicius, and secretly 
undermine their power. The first to be 
brought to dishonor; and, then 
destroyed, must be Manlius. 

Sulpicius. But Marcella:— What of 
her? 

Coeus. When her husband is no 
more; she'll turn to lliee. I luusl be 
made dictator. 

Sulpicius, And dicttitor thou shall 
Ije, if raouey and pati-iciH«i power can 
make thee. Come with me to the 
senate-house. There, we will meet gome 
of the younger senators, ana touch them 
lightly with our purposes. 

Cosus. Well advised. I will go with 
t hee. \Kxeunt oosus and svr.picius, K\ 



t) THE WIFE AND TH E SWORD. 



Enter manlius and maroella 
from house. 

Manlius. My star grows l)nghter, as 
my sword grows keener. 

Marcel la. Ay, Manlius, iDut one fell 
blow will stay it's upward course and 
take thee from nie. 

Manlius. Fear not, Marcella! Victory 
hath ever stood exultant by my side. 
Eight Roman citizens have I saved from 
flood, tire, and steel. Thirty times have 
I fought in single combat, and borne my 
adversaries shield and weapon from the 
field. And, on my body are the scars 
of many close encounters with my 
country's foes. In all this stress, Victory 
hath stood fast my friend and brought 
me off in safety. M}' time is up. ' T 
must depart. My love is thine; my life, 
my country's. 

Alarcella, Must thou go, today? 

Manlius. Today, Marcella. Only thar 
Roman, who holds bis country first, is 
worthy of a Roman wife. 

Marcella. But love is love, dear, and 
difficult to constrain. [Miirmer of voicps 
off. ft] Hark, what's that! 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 7 

Manlius. It sounds like the mutter- 
ings of a mob. [Voices heard louder, R.] 
There is some distubance in. the city. 
[Long blast of trumpets off, JS.] Listen, 
Marceeila, it is the call to arms! That 
call is never sounded vvithiu the walls 
of Rome, except the en^Tny be at hec 
gates. 

Mucius nms on, R. 

Mucius, The Gauls are upon us 
The citizens are arming and the soldiers 
are assembling at the gales. They are 
calling for thee to command them. 

Manlius. Have the barbarians been 
see n 't 

Mucius. Ay, from the walls. 

Manlius. Farewell, Marcella. Come, 
Mucins. This will bear no delwy. 

[Manlius draws swcn^d. Exeunt 
Manlius and Mucius, R. Mar- 
cella gazes earnestly after 
them. 

SCENE II. A street in Rome. 

Enter cominius, L. t^aurinda 
<'linging to him. 



8 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 



Laurinda. As thou lovest me, Co- 
minius, forsake me not. 

Cominius. Calm thyself, Launnda. 

Laurinda. How terrible for a womac 
to fall into the hands of those wild bar- 
barians! Oh! Cominius, when the gates 
begin to yield, leave all and come to me, 
or I will kill myself. 

Cominius. I promise thee, by the 
veil of Vesta. So, for the present, fare- 
well. Thy father, Mucius, awaits me at 
the gates. 

Laurinda. Forget me not) Cominius. 

Cominius. I will not fail thee. [Exit, 
R.] 

Laurinda. [R. Looking after Comin- 
ius.] May the gods defend us from those 
brutal barbarians, — greedy of wine and 
merciless to women. The very thought 
of them fills me with an agony of terror. 

Inter papirius and makcella, 
L. 

Marcella. I fear, grandfather, our 
army has been defeated. 

Papirius. T am a Roman senator, 
grandaughter, and can entertain no fears. 
If Rome falls, I fall with it. [Sees t.au- 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 9 

RiNDA.] Here is thy young plebeian 
t'cieod. Laurinda, the dauj^hcer ol tl^e 
cnrituriotj, Miicius. 

L.au rii:da. [Boiving.] Good father, Pa- 
pirius, may the gods preserve thee! 
[Crosfes to marcella.] My dear lady! 
yKisHes MARCELLA 's hciiicl.^ I shall 
^»•^ma^n with thee. 

xVlarcella. Tiiank thee, Laurinda, I 
neec] thy comfort and companionship, 
I ara much distressed. 

P:ipiruis. I must hasten to the 
senate-house. Pear not, grandaughter: 
Rome is. still, Kome. \Exit,U.^ 

Marcella. Mai hus is with thy father. 
I am beset with fears, LiHurinda Come, 
we will slowly follow along rovvards the 
gates. [Exeunt marcella and laurinda, 
R.] 

SC ENE ITI. The principle gates of 
Rome,— inside. Sentinels pacing on 
the ivall. Soldiers und armed citizens 
on both sides of the gates. 

Enter manlius, L followed by 
MucTus, and soldiers. Citizens 
shout'. " Hail, brave Manlius. " 
Mucius goes to gates. Guards 



10 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 



open gates cautiously and he 
passes out. 

■Manlius, brjldiers ai)d citizens the 
Gauls have approached our walls and 
hurled defiance at our city. Canaiilius 
muse be notified. I will undertake the 
mission, and go at once. [CitizetLS cheei\ 
Guards open gates. Enter mucius/oZ- 
lowed by two Rofnan soldiers, bleeding 
and torn. Guards close gates \ Whence 
come these bleeding soldiers? 

Mucius. Eet them speak for them- 
selves. 

1 Soldier. [With effort. \ 1 come from 
the army maichin^' north alonj^ the 
Tiber's bank. The Gauis fell suddenly 
upon us, and we were every where routed. 

2 Soldier. [With effort.] In this bat- 
tle, it was first defeat, then rout, and 
then massacre. But few are left of our 
defeated legions to tell the story of tins 
day's carnage. 

Manlius. Is Caraillius slain? 

J Soldier. No. He, with a remnant 
of the army, escaped to Veil. 

Manlius Ijet these brave soldiers be 
cared for and their wounds dressed. 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 11 



[Citizens assist 1&2 soldiers off L.\ Sol- 
diers and citrzeas. the army up()n v;hich 
we depended for defence, has been 
defeated and scattered. It is no ion,?er 
a question of defence, but of sat'ety 
safety to our wiv<^s and children. They 
must retire from the city, and has en\up 
the Tiber to Veii. For myselt', I shall 
remain in Rome to drive the barbacian 
hence, or perish in her sireeis. [Slunits: 
" To Veii\ To Veii\ " People hiirrg off' 
L.] Soldiers, those of you who are youn},':. 
without families, and are wiliiniL^ to stay 
step to the right. The osiiers luiy ,^'.! 
with their families lo Veil. 

JVlucius. [ Stepping to rk/ht. J 1 
shall remain wiih the cominander. 

[Soldiers separate. Some step 
to the right ; others cross stage, 
and exeunt, L. Man litis 
stands, RC. 

Enter marcella, L. followed h/j 
r.AURiNDA. T/'tey pause, L 

[Mticius crosses to Laurinda 

Marcella. [Adv<inci>ig towards Man- 
h'.n.s.) Oh! Manlius, stay not here. To 



12 THE WIFE A^D THE SWORD. 



stay Will not save Rome. 

Maui I us- iJuookiay to front; in posi- 
tion of a soldier; sword point down; 
iniiiioouble, li<>.e a st'itae.\ I'o stay will 
not save Rome, but it will main tain the 
honor of the Komau name, 

Marceila. Trus is a forlorn hope, 
Manlius, in whion one must die, but for 
the name of dying bravely. If it were 
possible, — if it were probable, --What am 
1 sayiug! — 

Manlius. Thou art talking as a wife, 
not as the daughter of a Roman general, 
who died a Roman death. 

Marceila. lAdvances to manlius and 
winds arms around his neck. He does 
not 7nove.] Manlius, my brave lord, pity 
my weakness in this tryiuy hour. 
Between my woman's love and thy 
soldier's honor, I see two ways; one 
leads to a happy tireside with bnght- 
faoed children playing about my feet 
and thee, dear, sitting by my side; tiie 
other leads to the grave, [Breaks doivn. 
Sobs and cities on majstijIus's breast. He 
does not move.] a dark, cold grave, — and 
I — T — alone, -the opening flower of our 
love— crushed, — and wet with- with — 
my sad tears. 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 13 

Manilas. IStill i7}if)L0vable, but with 
self repression.] My resolution banjjK 
but by a thread. Another tear, anot her 
sob, and I will cast my sword down upon 
the ground, and follow thfi« to Veii. 

Marcel la. [Starting back from hini, 
with loic scream and arms extended.] 
No, no, Manlius! Stay, and I will f^o! 
At once, at once! [Stands for a moment, 
C. Staggers, manlius does not move, 
but shows strain of contending emotions 
severely repressed.] I scarce can see. 'Jhe 
day is turning into night. Come, Lau- 
rinda, lead me hence, lest I do cry or 
sob again, [laurtnda advances to mar- 
CELL.A. Mucius, with bowcd head, crosses 
to soldiers, laurinda leads marcella 
towards L. marcella turns at L, gazes 
at MANLIUS, and then — J Mine is a 
woman's lov^: thine is a soldier's honor. 
Which IS the worthier, time and tlie 
gods will tell, [laukinda leads mauoella 
offL.] 

Manlius. [Looking ,tp.] Ye gods, if 1 
do err in this, mark vfeW the Oitter 
agony of my heart. A woman's love 
is poison to a soldier's courage. [Raises 
sword extended.] How bright and keen 
the blade of my good sword! For the 



14 THE WIFE. AND THE SWORD. 



first time, it trembles in my holding. 
How oft hast thou and I, moved hilt and 
hand, midst roaring tumult and raging 
strife. How close to parting, how close 
to shame, we were a moment ago! 
Another tear, another sob, would have 
swept thee from my grasp. 

Enter aged senator's, L. led by 

PAPIRIUS 

Papirius. Come, Manli us. Come, Mu- 
cius, and my brave young Roman 
soldiers, lead us to the senate-house. 

Maniius. Stay not, venerable Papinus. 

Papirius. We aged senators have 
solemnly sworn unto the gods, we all 
adore, not to desert the city. If Rome 
falls, we fall with it. 

Maniius. To the senale-house. Mucius. 

Mucins. In column! [Soldiers fall in, 
in column of twos at head of aged sen- 
ators.] To the senate-house, march! 

[Exeunt L. Mucius, followed 
by soldiers and aged senators, 
and Maniius in rear. 

CURTAIN. 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 15 



ACT TI. 

SCENE I. Before the seriate- house. 
Wild discordant shouts and yells 
off R. Aged senators sc ated in ivory 
chairs on porch of senate-house at 
head of steps. Papirius is seated 
center ivith ivory scepter in hand. 

, Enter manlius, L. papirius 
rises and decends steps to meet 
him. 

Manhus. IBowing low.} The barba- 
rians surround the city. [Yells and 
heavy battering off, R,] They are bat- 
tering the gates. 

Papirius. Where are the soldiers? 

Manlius. In the citidel on the Capi- 
tohne hill. The hill is hii^h airi it,'s 
walls abrupt. The citidel can bo 
reached only by the secr»-a path. I 
have come to lead thcaaod thy vener- 
able companions to this secure retreat. 

Papirius. Nay, Manlius, we will abide 

here, — here at the senate- house, where 
we have ruled and been honored bv 



16 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 



the people. [Terrific yells and battering 

offL.] 

Maolius. The barbarians will kill' 

you. 

• Papiriue. We will trust to the gods, 

and our gray beards. 
Manlius. 1 pray thee, come, 
Papirius. [Oohig^ Farewell! Thou 

knowest better than to urge me. 

[Papirius ascends steps and 
resumes seat. Manlius walks 1/, 
tarns, looks up at senators, 
and bows low. Senators rise, 
look towards him, and then 
sit down. Yells and battering 
off R. Manlius exits L. Yells 
and battering continuous off' 
R. Loud crasJiing as of fall- 
ing gates. Roar of voices, 
tumult and clashing iron. 
Barbarians rush on stage. R.,' 
stop suddenly, and stare at 
senators with awe. A Barba- 
Han advances slotvly and 
superstitiously up steps. Stops 
near Papirius. Gazes reiser- 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 17 

ently at Papirius, mid then 
strokes senator's gray beard. 
Papirius rises and strikes bar- 
barian on head with scepter. 
Barbarian falls and rolls 
down steps. Barbarians yell, 
rush up steps and massacre 
senators. After massacre, bar- 
barians rush off L, shouting 
and yelling. Red glare throivn 
07i stage in imitation of sun- 
set : then darkness of ap- 
proaching night. 

SCENE II. In the citidel on the 
Capitoline Hill. Time night. Lights 
doivn. 

Enter mucius, L. 

Mucius. The Gauls howl like a pack 
of famished wolves in the city below. 
DruQk with wine, they stagger through 
the streets plundering 'and burning. 
Here on the hill and in this citidel we 
are secure, and can hold out until our 
food supply is exhausted. Then we 



18 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 

must fight or starve. 

Enter manlius. L. 

Manlius. The night is very dark. See 
that the guards be doubled, Mucius, 
until the moon rises. [Crosses to R.^ 

Mucius. I will attend to it. [Salutes^ 
and exits L.] 

Manlius. Had I a legion of our war- 
tried veteans, I would attack the Gauls 
at once. [Walks up and down.^ Oh, 
why this delay! Not a word have I 
heard from Veii. What can they be 
doing! 

Enter mucius and comtnius, L. 

Cominius. Hail! brave Manlius, 
I come from Veii. 

Manlius. What, Cominius! Irlow didst, 
thou reach the hill? 

Cominius, As the night s»^ttled 1 stole 
through the Gaulish lines. 

Manlius. Didst thou ascend by the 
secret path.? 

Cominius. Nay, 1 climbed up the 
side of the hill by digging holes for my 
feet with my dagger, and clinging to 
whatever my hands could grasp. I 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 19 

feared to come by the secret, way, lest 
1 discover it to the enemy. 1 must 
depart before the moon rises. 

Manlius. Bnngest thou a message? 

Cominius, Ay, here it is. [Offera 
sealed packet, manlius extends hand.] 
It is from thy wife. 

iVLanhus. {Withdrawing hand.] tiasii 
thou no other? None from the consul, 
Camilhus? 

Cominius. Yea, he bid me tell thee, 
to hold the citidel until he came. He is 
recruiting and reorganizing the army. 
He has received but little encourage- 
ment from the senators. They regard 
him with indifference. 

Manlius. The senators at Veil are 
young. The elder senators were mas- 
sacred by the barbarians, 

Cominius. Papirius, too? 

Manlius. All, Cominius. A soldier 
lingering back when we ascended the 
hill saw them cut down. They would 
remain. 

Cominius. This news will grieve thy 
wife, and much discourage CamiUius. 
Cosus is now the power at Veii, The 



20 THE WIFE ANB THE SWORD. 



senators give to him a ready ear. He 
hath declared, that we are not able, at 
the present time, to give successful bat- 
tle to the Gauls. 

Manlius. What, then, doth he sug- 
gest? 

Comiuius. To pay the Gauls a thou- 
sand pounds by weight in gold lo lift 
their standards and depart. 

Manlius. This is merely gossip! 

Cominius, Nay. it was thy wife who 
told me. 

Manlius. And who told her? 

Cominius. &ulpicius. She is oft, of 
late, with Sulpicius. 

Manlius. With Sulpicius! No? 

Cominius. It seems, he hath much 
befriended thy good lady since the 
exodus to Veii. 

Manlius. Well, what of Cosus? 

Cominius, He hath recommended 
Sulpicius to the senators as the proper 
person to transact the business with the 
Gauls. Sulpicius is a man of business 
understanding, is rich, and hath much 
ready gold. 

Manlius. Then the removal of the 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 21 

Gauls from our territory is to be made 
a business transaction? 
Cominius. It so appears, 

Manlius. What saith my wife of this 
proposal? 

Cominius. She thinks it most expedi- 
ent. In it she sees thy safety. Her love 
for thee hath quite distracted her. 

Manlius. How doth she know, that I 
am alive? No word hath been sent from 
here since the day the people left. 

Cominius. She believes thou art 
alive, but fears thy bravery will take 
thee from her. She trembles at the 
name of war. 

Manlius. 1 tremble for Rome. May 
the gods deliver us from the vagaries of 
a woman's mind. 

Cominius. Here is the packet from 
thy wife. [Offers packet,] It contains a 
letter. 

ManJius. [Not taking it.] Tell Camil- 
lius, I await him; that our food-supply 
IB neai^ly exhausted: that tbe Gauls are 
plundering and burning in the city. 

Cominius, What shall I tell the 
senators? 

Manlius. Tell them, I am alive, and 



22 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 



with my soldiers m the citidel on the 
CapitohDe Hill. 

Cominius. What shall I tell thy wife? 

Manlius. Tell her, I will follow my 
sword, ay, though the sky rains tears, 

Cominius. Here is the packet. [Offers 
him packet] 

Manlius. \ Not noticing p<icket.] It is 
approaching midnight. The moon rises 
shortly after midnight. 

Cominius, Then 1 must go. [Puts 
packet in breast.] Good night, com- 
mander. 

Manlius. Good night, Cominius. 

Mucius. I will go with thee, Cominius. 
to the edge of the hill, [mucius aiid 
COMINIUS exeunt L,] 

Manlius. Cosus recommends it, and 
my wife favors it. Rome with all her 
honors, all her glories, all her heroes 
to be made the subject of a bueinese 
transaction! Bartered for as they bar- 
ter for pigs and sheep m the market. It 
shall not be! [Exit, R.] 

SCENE III. The summit of the 
CapitoUne Hill. Wall of the citidel 
with arched opening, R. Pile of 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 23 

shields near wall, R. Tarpeian rock 
L. Ridge of rocks across stage ^ 
rear. Rear scene, blue sky. Stage 
dark. 

Enter manlivs in lo7ig cloak 
from citidel, R. 

Maolius. Is the day of Roman patri- 
otism and Roman heroism passing away! 
Hath the Roman soldier become a dogl 
A dog to guard the property of the rich, 
and watch the goods that vulgar traffic 
piles up! The very thought of it stirs 
me to the finger tips and awakes in me 
an unutterable detestation. ICrosses to 
L. Moon rise*.] Here is the Tarpeian 
rock. Prom it the Roman traitor is 
hurled. And here is the unmarked 
grave of Tarpeia, the Roman maiden 
wh6 once betrayed this citidel 
to the enemy. Prom her the rock was 
named. What a dark spot! How the 
soul of the patriot shrinks from it! 
[Crosses to, R, sits down and reclines on 
shields.] My wife — Well, what of her! 
She is beautiful and of pure patrician 
blood. The Koman Sjjirit is in her, but 



24 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 



love hath made pliant her RomaD mind, 
and now it bends to every weak emo- 
tion. I love her, yea, but I will not 
yield. Better die for my manhood, Ihan 
live for my wife's fears. [Sleeps. Moon 
croftses horizon and goes down. Cackle 
of geese off, RR. manlius rouses up and 
looks around. Geese cackle again. 
MANLius springs to his feet, thi^ows off 
cloak, pi'iks up shield, a7id looks rear.] 
The geese are cackling in the temple of 
Juno. Something disturbs them. Can 
it be— [Head of Oaul rises above ridge 
of rocks, rear, manlius rushes to rear 
and up rocks. Dashes shield in OauVs 
face. Gaul falls from ridge to rear, and 
disappears ivith a yell. He is answered 
witit yells from below and rear of ridge.] 
The Gauls! The Gauls! [E7iter mugtus 
from citidel, followed by soldiers. They 
rush to rear and wp ridge. They hurl 
rocks down on Gauls from ridge.\ 
Enough, brave comrades, tbe Gauls are 
repulsed. [It begins to dawn. Trumpet 
heard from rear of ridge.) That is a 
Roman \iotQ.\Gazes rear and then points 
downwardly to rear.) Look, Mucius, is 
not that a body of Roman citizens 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 25 



fidvancing towarde the Forum? 

Mucius. [Looking.] It is. I recognize 
Sulpicius by his gait. He hath astride. 
There is a citizen with a trumpet, 
another with a white flag, and others 
bearing sacks on their shoulders. 

JVlanhus. There is gold in those 
sacks, Mucius. The yellow scab of 
Roman shame! I can restrain myself 
no longer! I am going below. I'll stop 
this cowardly bussinese transaction or 
write mine epitaph upon my sword. 
Follow me, who will, by the secret path. 
[Trumpeter sounds. Standard-bearer 
steps to Manlius's side.] To the Forum! 
[Exeunt manlius, pumpeter, and 
standard-bearer. L.] 

Mucius, In column! To the Forum, 
march ! [Soldiers fall in, in column of 
twos, and led by mucius, hurry off, L.\ 



CURTAIN. 



26 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 



ACT TIL 

SCENE I. The secret path. 

Enter MARCEr^LA and laurtnda, 
R. followed by cos us. 

Cosus. We have escaped detection. 
The barbarians are in the Forum await- 
ing Sulpicius and the gold. Here is the 
enirance to the secret path. Follow it, 
and It will lead you to the citidel on the 
hill. The commander is there. 

Marcella. I thank thee, noble Cosus, 
for thy guidance and protection. 

Cosus. [ am honored by the service I 

have rendered thee, noble lady. [Bows, 

exits, R.\ 

aiarcella. [Drawing dagger from 

breast.] If the barbarians capture us, we 

have our daggers, Laurinda. [Returns 

dagger to breast.) 

Launnda. Yea, we will kill ourselves. 

Hark, lady! I hear the measured tread of 

soldiers, {Looking, L.] It is soldiers,— 

Roman soldiers. They are decending 

from the hill. 



* THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 27 

Enter manlius trumpeter and 
standard-bearer^ L. 

Marcella. Manlius, beloved — [manlius 
does not notice her. Crosses to R. fol- 
lowed by trumpeter and standard- 
bearer.] Stay, Maahus— Speak but a 
word of welcome, and then pass on. 
[Exeunt manlius, trumpeter and stand- 
ard-bearer,R. Enter mtjcius and soldiers, 
L. They cross stage hurriedly and 
exeunt, R.] Oh! Liaurinda, my brave 
lord, hath spurned me. Come, we will 
follow him. Neither shame nor death 
^ shall keep me from him. [They exeunt R.] 

SCENE II. The Roman Forum. 
BRENNUS chief of the Gauls seated 
in a large red chair, rear and C. 
Gauls right and left of chair. 

Brennus. (Rising.) Bring on the scales 
to weigh the Roman gold. [Gauls bring 
in scales from R, and set them down 
right C] Put in the weights^ [Gauls put 
weights in left scale.] Now, let the 
Roman approach. [Brennas sita down.], 

[A Gaul steps to R. and motions 



28 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 

with his sword. Enter Sulpi- 
clus followed by a citizen bear 
ing a ivhite flag, and a citi- 
zen trumpeter, and other citi- 
zens bearing sacks on their 
shoulders. Cittzens drop sacks 
down right of scales. 

Sulpicius. [Advancing to bkennus.J 
Breauus, great chief of the Gauls - 

Brennus. Bow Roman, or begone. 

Sulpicius. [Bowing.] Great chief, I 
am the Roman commissioner. 

Brennus, Brmgest thou the tribute. 

Sulpicius. I have brought the gold. 

Brennus. Then put it in the scale. 
There is no need for speech. The gold 
speaks for itself. We understand it 
better than your Roman words. 

[Sulpicius motions to citizens. 
They take gold bars from 
sacks and put them in right 
scale. They cease when the 
scales balance. 

Sulpicius. There is more gold in the 
scales than the agreement calls for. 



THF WIFE AND THE SWORD. 29 

BrenDUS. [Rising.] The scales bal- 
ance. 

Sulpicius. The scales balance, great 
chief, but I fear thy weights — 

Brennus. What of my weights! You 
fear my sword more than you fear my 
weights. (Casts sword into left scale.) 
To the victor belongs the spoils! Put in 
your gold. Be quick, or I may change 
ray mind. Woe unto you, if I take my 
sword from the scales before they bal- 
ance! {Sulpicius motions. Citizens hur- 
riedly put gold into right scale 
until the scales balance, brennus 
takes sword from scales. Enter manlius, 
trumveter, standard-hearer, mucius and 
soldiers, L.) The tribute is paid. 

Manlius. What tribute? 

Brennus. [Turning, and seeing sol- 
diei's.] The Roman tribute to the Gaul. 
It is paid. We are ready to depart. 

Manlius. When did Rome pay tribute! 

Brennus. Now, even now. [Points to 
gold.] There is the gold, [Points to Sul- 
picius.] and, there the Ronian commis- 
ioner, that paid it. 

Sulpicius. [Advaucing towards man- 
r.Tus,] Proud commander, I was chosen 



30 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 

by the Roman senators to conclude this 
treaty, 

Manlius. And I was chosen by the 
Ronaan gods to defeat It. 

\MiiGius strikes Sulpicius with 
shield and knocks him down. 
Sulpicius rises, grabs up 
reinai^iing sack of gold, and 
exits, L. followed by citizens. 
Trumpet sounds off R. Great 
excitement among Gauls. 

Brennus. That is a Roman trumpet! 

coMiNius runs on L. 

Cominiue. CamilHus hath come! 
Manhus. Then charge. Romans! For 
Rome and Victory! 

[^Shouting off R. with trumpet 
sounds. Manlius and Roman 
soldiers charge Gauls. They 
fight. Romans drive Gauls off 
R. Manlius and Brennus 
remain. They engage in a 
fierce combat. Brennus, left: 
Manlius, right. Brennus knocks 



THF WIFE AND THE SWORD. 31 

Manlius^s sword out of his 
hand. Enter Marcella, L, 
dagger in hand. BrennuSy hack 
to her. She steals towards 
him. He C7'owds Manlius to his 
knees. Is about to thrust him 
through with siuord. Marcella 
stabs Brennus in back with 
dagger. Brennus drops sword, 
turns, staggers to L. falls, dies. 

Marcella. [Dropping dagger.] The 
gods have decided, Manlius. My love 
hath saved thy honor. 

Manlius. When I lost iny sword, I 
lost my honor. Thou hast saved my 
dishonored life. 

Marcella. Manlius. Manlius, why so 
cruel! Man fights with thf» sword, but 
the weapon of the gods is love. 

[Cry heard from off R : "The 
Gauls flee! Victor j for the 
Romans !" 

Manlius. [Eising, picks up sword] 
Take thou my sword: from this day 'tis 
thine, not mine, [marcella takes sword \ 



32 THE WIFE Ab^D THE SWORD. 

1 am thy prisoner. [Takes her in his 
arins.] The prisoner of my brave young 
Komao wife. 

Marcella. My happiness is too great. 
1 fear the gods will make me pay for it's 
excess. 

CURTAIN. 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 33 



ACT TV. 

SCENE I- A street leading to the_ 
Forum. 

Enter sulpicius, L. followed 
by OPPTOER OF THE GUARD and 
Mucius between two soldiers. 

Sulpicius. Bring him along, officer! 
[To Mucius.j 1 loaned thee this money, 
centurion, two years ago. So far. I have 
received no return for my kindness, but 
the blovf thou struckest me, in the 
Forum, with thy ahield. 

Mucius. The debt is small. 

Sulpicius. Yea, it is small, but it 
seemt still too large for thee to pay. 

Mucius. Good sir, bethink thee, [ am 
an officer of the legion — 

Snlpicius. Tut, tut! that does not 
pay the debt. 

Mucius. I am much in debt. Plun- 
dered of »11 I had by the barbarians, 
and my house burned, I'had to build 
and buy again. To do this, I had to 
borrow money. Pray give me time, and 
I will pay thee all J owe thee, and half 



34 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 



as much in interest. 

Sulpicius. Not another motneot. Pay 
the debt at once, or I will bid thee in. I 
need an old man to hoe my garden. 

Mucins. [With dejection] Hoe thy 
garden ! 

Enter laukinda and cominius, L. 

Laurinda. Oh! father, what doth this 
mean? 

Mueius. I owe a debt, I cannot pay. 
Under our Roman law, I will becon- 
demoed and Bold into slavery. 

Sulpicius. Lead on, officer. To 
prison with him, 

Cominius. Here comes Manlius, the 
friend of the people. 

Enter, manlius L, followed by 
Roman rabble. 

Manlius. Stay you, who lead that 
brave centurion, a prisoner, through the 
streets. [Soldiers pause.] Why this 
indignity to a Roman officer? 

Sulpicius. He owes me money, and 
will not pay. 

Mueius. I cannot pay. 

Manlius. What is the debt? Tell m«. 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 35 

and I will pay it. \ Babble cheer.] 

1 Citizen. Noble Manlius! 

2 Citizen. Brave Maoliue! 

3 Citizen. Good Manlius! 
SulpiciuB. [To MANLIUS.] Art thou 

the patron of the rabble? 

Manlius. I have solemnly declared: 
that while my money lasts, no Roman 
citizen shall be sold for debt. Should 
poverty make a man a slave? The law 
18 most unjust. 

Sulpicius. 'Tis hoped, thy money will 
last. 

Manlius. A few more words from thee, 
and my patience may prove less endur- 
ing than my money, What is the debt? 

Sulpicius. [Aside.] There is no other 
way. I must accept the money. [To 
MANLIUS.] Here is the bond. 

Manlius. [Takes bond and looks at it.] 
Here is thy money, 

Sulpicius. [Taking money.] Release 
the prioner. 

[Officei^ and soldiers release 
Mucins., and- march off^ R. 
Rabble cheer. Laurinda throws 
arms around father's neck. 



36 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 



Cominiue. [Grasping mu'jius's hand,] 
Would, I could have paid thy debt! 

Man Hue. [Embracing mucius.] My 
brave old friend! 

Sulpiciue. Some men make frieods, 
but, it seems, Manlius buys them. 
[Strides off R. Rabble hoot him.] 

Manlius. Take this purse, Mucius, 
and pay all thy debts, I should have 
thought of this before. Nay, the money 
is thine. As thou boldest me in thy 
friendship, refuse it not. 

Mucius. [Taking purse.) My good 
commander! Thou art more Roman, 
than our Roman law. 

Manlius. Happiness be thine, Mucius! 
[Exeunt manlius, L. followed by rabble 
shouting :"Noble Manlius! Brave Manli- 
us! Good Manlius! "] 

Mucius. Since thy mother's death, 
Laurinda, I have watched o'er thee with 
double care. I have but one desire left. 
Thy happiness. Cominius, thou haet 
aeked me for her. She loves thee. Take 
her, and with her my home and all I 
have. The door of the house is open. 
Lift her over it's threshold, and she is 
thin*, — my daughter and thy wife. 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 37 

ComiDius. Ijaurinda! 
Laurinda. Cominius! 

[They emhraAie. 
Cominius. Come. 

Cominius and Laurinda ivalk 
towards L, Cominius ivith arm 
around her, Mtwius folloirs- 
bj.veiiiit antncs, L. 

SCENE II. x\ room itt Cosks'.'s Itoiisr. 

Enter cosus, R. 

Rabble passing outside, L. 
shout: -'Noble Manlius! Brave 
MaDliusI Good Manlius!" 

CosLis. [Contemptti.ously.] ISToble Man- 
lius! Brave Manlius! Good Manlius! 
[Crosses, to L. mid looks off, L.] The 
rabble follow him through the streets, 
kissing his hands, and shouting his 
praises. He, moved by an appetite of 
insatiable vanity, licks up this slaver as 
a hungry dog lioks the grj^ase from a 
kitchen platter. [Advances to C] King 
Manlius! It is certain that to this title 
he doth aspire. To seek to be made king 
is treason under our law. I have started 
the rumor among the patricians, that 



38 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 

the commauder is coaspiriag and 
couniviDg with this treasonable purpose. 
Sulpicius balh secretly warned the 
senate against him, and suggested that 
I be made dictator. 

Enter sur-,picius, L. 

Sulpicius. Hail! noble Cosus, the 
power is thine. The senate hath 
appointed thee dictator. 

Cosus. This is most opportune, 
CamiUius is with the army in the West, 
punishing the Gauls. We must take 
advantage of his absence, and strike 
without hesitation. How soon, thinkest 
thou, the senate will notify me of my 
appointment? 

Sulpicius. Immediately. 

Cpsus. Then the work will soon 
begin. 

Sulpicius. I have begun already. I 
arrested that old centurion, JViucius, for 
debt. The rabble all but assaulted me 
as I led him through the streets. 

Cosus. Didst make him thy slave? 

Sulpicius. Nay; king Manlius cam* 
and paid his debt. 

Cosus. That pleased the rabble. 



TEE WIFE AND THE SWORD 39 

Sulpicius. Pleased them! They shouted 
and cheered, and applauded him with 
their hands and" mouths as though all 
the comfort and happiness of their 
cheap lives depended upon him. 

Cosus. How did this lord of the 
rabble take it? 

Sulpicius. He strutted about like a 
god come down from the sky. 

Cosus. [^Fiercely.] I'll send him down 
from the Tarpeian rock in a most ungod- 
ly manner! I will order his arrest the 
instant I am notified by the senate of my 
appointment. But first, Sulpicius, thou 
sbalt make the charge to me in writing, 
that thou believest, this fellow Manlius 
is seeking the favor of the common 
people and conniving with certain other 
people with purpose to make himself 
king. The words, certain other people, 
is a covert reference to the clique, chief 
among which is Camillius. 

Sulpicius. I will make the charge 
most willingly. 

Cosus. We must look well to tbe jury^ 

Sulpicius. I'll take care of that. 

Cosus. He must be found guilty. 
Come, we will go and prepare the indict- 



40 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 



ment, and arrange the method of our 
procedure. [Exeunt omnes^ M.] 

SCENE III. Before the house of 

Manlius in Rome. 

Enter manlius and makcella, R, 

Maalius. The sword deserted me, and 
Victory fled, but thou didst abide, and 
struck the blow that saved me. 

Marcella. Thy nature speaks for 
something l)etter, dear, than blood and 
strife. 

Manlius, That there is something 
better, I have learnt from thee. 

Marcella. The people love thee Man- 
lius. As their friend, thou mayst lead 
them on, along the path of peace to 
truth and justice. 

Manlius. I have felt this urging in 
my secret thoughts. It seems, at times, 
the gods speak in my mind. Rut will 
the people understand? 

Marcella. Sincerity will beget in them 
a faith, in thee a confidence, which will 
bind you both unto the hoped for end. 
I see, love,— but, Oh, so dimly! -in the 
vague far future, a reality of goodness. 

Manlius. I see it too, Marcella. a 
charity and a faith, so kind and true, 



TH E WIFE AND THE SWORD. 41 

that one might wish to die and sleep 
and not wake up to life again until that 
blessed day had come. 

Marcella. What pleasure to hear thee 
speak these gentle words, and mark thy 
gentle ways, now freed from pride's cold 
purposes and the soldier's boast. 

Manlms. [Taking her in his arms.'\ 
Dear wife, we'll walk together in the 
path of peace. I'll be a quiet citizen, 
devoted in my love to thee; pruning my 
vines, and watching my fruit trees grow. 

Marcella. My cup with happiness is 
brimming o'er. There is no evil left to 
mar the peacetul progrsss of our love. 
Each hour will bring some brighter 
hope, each day some newer joy. In this, 
I bless the gods as they've blessed me. 

Enter ofpicek of the guard 
and soldiers, R. 

Officer. I arrest thee commander by 
order of the dictator. 

Manlius. The dictator! Who is the 
dictator? 

Officer. Cosus. He awaits thy pres- 
ence in the Place of Judgment. [Ad- 
vancing to manijIds.] Back, lady! [To 
MANiiius.] Wilt thoa come, or shall 



42 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 

I have to take thee? 

IfaDliuB. No violence. I will cotue. 
Permit me but a moment with my wife. 
[manlius and MARCEiiLA converse apart, 
L. Kisses her. Then, aside.^ Would 
Camillius wer« here! [Advancing to 
OFFICER, j I am residy. [Soldiers surround 

MANL.IUS.] 

Officer. To the Place of Judgment, 
march! [Exeunt offioer, R. followed 
by MANLiTus surrounded by soldiers.] 

[Marcella looks distractedly 
after Manlius^ and bursts into 
tears. 

CURTAIN. 



THE WIP^E AND THE SWORD. 43 

ACT V. 

SCENE T. The PLACE OF JUDG- 
MENT in Rome, A large stone chair 
with sculptor ed wolf heads on af-ms, 
R. Row of plain stone benches left of 
stone chair. Stone chair and benches 
on raised stone foundation. COSUS 
discovered seated in stone chair. Citi- 
zens jury is seated on stone benches. 
Group of patrician nobles to right of 
Cosus. Group of soldiers, R. Enter 
SULPICIUS, R. Bows low to Cosus. 
CosTis nods to Sulpicius. Sulpicius 
remains at R. Enter rabble, L. and 
remain L. Rabble fall back. Enter 
OFFICER OF THE GUARD, X. /oZ- 
loived by MANLIUS surrounded by 
soldiers. Officer bows low to Cosus. 
He responds tvith a nod. Officer, 
Manlius, and soldiers stand L. 
of jury. Enter MUCIUS,-COMINIUS 
and LAURINDA, L. They stand, 
back, to left of Manlius. Enter 
citizens, L. pulling and pushing on 
a small oar with Manlius's garlands 



44 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 

.and trophies displayed on it. 'They 
place car forward and to left of jury, 
and retire to left rear. 
Enter MARCELLA, L. tvith Manli- 
us's sword. She lays sword down 
right ^of car, turns and advaces 
towards Manlius. 

Officer. [Getting hetioeen manl us 
and MARCELLA.] He is a prisoner. 

[Rabble hiss. Marcella retires 
to Laurinda. 

Cosus. Commander, thou hast been 
charged by Sulpicius with seeking the 
favor of the common people and 
conniving with certain other people 
with purpose to make thyself king. It 
is well known thdt thou art vain- 
glorious and ambitious of all honors 
that thou art the friend of the base-born 
and seditious; that thou seekest the 
favor of the common people by paying 
thfeir debts, visiting their homes, 
making presents to their wives, and 
petting their children. What hast thou 
to say to the charge against thee? 

Manlius. Net guilty. 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD, 45 

Cosus, What hflst thou to offer in 
support of this plea? 

Manliua. Not much shall I attempt to 
Bay in my defence, [Points to oak leaf 
garlands on car.] There are eight oak 
leaf garlands awarded for the saving of 
eight Roman lives. [Points to trophies 
on car.] There are thirty shields and 
thirty weapons, trophies of thirty 
victories won in singlp-combat. And 
here, [tearing open tunic at breast,) 
upon my breast are the soars of many 

battles fought for Rome. No traitor's 
heart can beat beneath these scars! 
These are my witnesses. Their voiceless 
testimony, I submit in my defense. 

Cosus. Js thy plea concluded? 

Manliue. It is. Tfae gods must speak 
for me now, 

Cosus. Hast thou no witnesses, no 
further testimony to offer? 

Manliu8. None. 

[Mucius and citizens step 
forth. 

Mucius. Citizena of the jury, the 
commander, who is m jeopardy before 
you, paid our debts, and saved us from 



46 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 

slavery. We beseech you as Romans to 
regard his kindness to us, who are 
Roman citizens. 

[Mucius and citizens retire 
to fonner places. 

Cosus. Sulpicius, hast thou augbt to 
say? 

Sulpicius. Nothing, noble Cosus, 
only to reiterate the charge, I have 
made against the commander. 

Cosus. Hast thou any witnesses to 
present? 

Sulpicius, Not any. 

[Citizen jurors whisper. 

Cosus. Is tfie jury ready to render a 
verdict? 

[Jury stands up. 

Citizen Foreman. It is. 

Cosus. What is the verdict of the 
jury? 

Citizen Foreman. Not guilty. 

[Jury remains standing, Rab- 
ble cheer and yell. Citizens 
push ear off, L. Manlius's 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD, 47 

sword is left. Cosus converses 
apart with Sulpicius and 
patricians, Marcella rushes to 
Manlius and thr^ows arms 
around his neck. Mucins and 
Cominius grasp Manlius's 
hand. Rabble close in around 
Manlius and Marcella. Great 
rejoicing and satisfaction 
expressed by Manlius's friends. 
Cosus returns to his seat. 

Officer. [Raising sword.^ Silence! 
The dictator sits in judgment. 

[Soldiers thrust everybody 
back from Manlius. 

CoBus. [Rising and speaking with 
severity.'] Citizens of the jury your ver- 
dict was rendered without consideration. 
I believe you were bribed. Begone, or 
I will command the soldiers to drive you 
from our presence. 

[Cittzen jury htirry off L^ 
Rabble hiss, then groan. 

1 Citizen. No one bribed the jury. 

2 Citizen. He is not guilty. 



48 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 

3 Citizen. There is conspiracy against 
him. 

CosuB. [In great rage.\ Officer, clear 
the Place of Judgment of that noisy and 
seditious rabble, [Officer and solditrs 
drive rabble off L.] Sulpicius, you will 
select a jury from these patrician noble- 
men. I will render judgment according 
to their finding. [Cosu$ tits. Sulpicius 
fills jury seats with patricians. Bows to 
"^Cosus and retires to R.^ Noble patri- 
cians, you have heard the indictment 
and the plea. Are you ready to render 
a verdict? 

Patricians. [Rising.^ We are. 

Cosus. What is your verdict? 

Patricians. Guilty, Treason! Very 
guilty. 

[Marcella bursts into tears 
dnd sinks into Laurinda's 
arms. 

Officer. Put on his chains. 

[Soldiers put chains on Man- 

lius, 
Cosus. Stand the prisoner before the 

judgment seat. [Officer leads Manliu% 

before judgment seat. Coaus risesq 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 49 

Thou unworthy Roman! Thou vain- 
glorious, praise-loving conspirator! Thou 
traitor ! 

Manlius. {Starting towards Cosuii] 
I, a traitor! 

[^Soldiers seize Manlius rough- 
ly and restrain him. 

CoBUS. Ay, a traitor. A most 
dangerous t^aito^^ A traitor with a patri^ 
cian mind, and plebeian heart. Thus 
do I pass sentence upon thee. Thou 
shalt be taken to the top of the Capito- 
line Hill, and hurled from the Tarpeian 
rock. 

Officer. When shall the sentence be 
executed, noble dictator? 

Cosus. Now!!! {Pointing up to left 
and rear.) Yonder is the Tarpeian rock, 
{Points to MANLiHS.) and there is the 
traitor. Away with him! 

[Cosus comes doimi from, 
judgment sea"^. 

Marce!la. [Advancing to manlfus with 
effort.^ Love— love — love — 

[Soldiers get between Manlius 
and Mar cell a. 



50 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 

Maalius. [To co»vs, pitifully.] Wont 
you let Gay wife come to me, — my poor 
young wife? 

Cosus. [Advancing towards manlius.] 
No!!! Thou hast no wife. Thou hast 
no friends. Thou hast no country 
Thou art a traitor. Get thee to thy 
grave. 

Mareella. Manlius! 

Manlius. Farewell, my love; may the 
gods guard thee. 

[Offi.cer and soldiers hurry 
Manlius towards, L. 

Marcella. [Just as manlius is about to 
pass off L. Marcella rushes after him, 
and cries:] Manlius! Manlius! [Officer 
thrusts MARCEi^LA back, manlius is led 
Off L. by Officer and soldiers. He is 
followed by mucius, cominius: and 
L.AURINDA. maroella rushes towards 
cosus with clenched hands.] This is the 
cruelest sorrov? ever felt: the cruelest 
blow that power ever struck. It cannot 
be! Cosus, thou art not in earnest. 
This IS some martial joke to try the 
courage of my noble lord. Is it not, 
good Cosus? [Laughs wildly.] Just a 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 51 

soldier's test, — the last and most severe? 

CosuB. This is no martial joke. Thy 
husband is a traitor, and will die a 
traitor's death. 

Marcella. A traitor, no! He loved 
his country better than he loved his 
wife. He fought and bled for it, and 
asked for nothing but to tight and bleeil 
again. [To patrician jury.] You know 
he is not guilty. Why have you con- 
demned him to this shameful death? 
When you kill him, you kill me. I cannot 

live when he is gone. Would you kiUme,- 
a little, helplesB woman, all made up of 
love and tears? [To Cosus.] Good Cosus, 
call them back. No? Then I will go lo 
him. [Patricians interpose,'] You'll 
neither let him come to me, nor let me 
go to him. Cosus, noble Cosus, recall 
thy sentence. Be merciful to me. Save 
him! [Looks up and off to left rear.] 
Look! he is standing upon the rock. 
And now he waves his shackled hands. 
Cosus, Cosus, hold up thy hand, signify- 
ing pardon. Quick! Quick! I can 
hardly speak! Hold up thy hand before 
my heart stops beating, and my pleadings 
with it. [Lookg up and off to left and 
rear.] He has leaped.— He decend* 



52 THE WIPE AND THE SWORD. 

through the air. He — [Gives long, 
piercing scream, turns and seizes Cosus 
at throat,] Thou hast done this! Thou 
poisonous, conspiring patrician wretch! 
Cosus. Take thy hands from my 
throat, or 1 will do thee harm. 

[They st/)mggle. Marcella's hair 
comes down. 

Marcella. [Throwing cosus /rom her^ 
and glaring at him,] Thou hast done 
me harm already, thou heart of stone! 
Thou hast murdered my belove«l. For 
this the Furies will lash thee with 
whips of fiery scorpions to thy grave, 
and the feeble echoes ef my falling tears 
will haunt thy soul in Hades. 

Cosus. Rail on, — thy traitorous hus- 
band is dead. [Turns from MARCEL,L«Aa« 
if to depart ,R. marcel.l.a quickly picks 
up MANfjius sword, and thrusts cosus 
through chest from behind.] I— I— 
help! [Reels, falls, dice.] 

Marcella. Good sword, we have 
avenged our noble lord. [Kisses sword. 
Drops hilt of sword to ground, and 
holds blade as if about to fall on ifs 
'point.] Dear sword take me t o my love. 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 53 

Sulpicius. See! — she is about to fall 
upon the point of the sword. [Rushes to 
MARCEL.LA.] Do it DOt, sweet . Marcella! 
Live for my sake. 

Marcella. [Dropping sword and tow- 
ering.] Live for Ihy sake! Thou viper 
hearted hypocrite! Thou ugly fa^^ed 
8atyr! { 

[Marcella strikes Sulpicius in 
face. Sulpicius retires in 
confusion to right front. 

Enter mucius, cominius and 
LAUiiiNDA, L. They express sad- 
ness. They advance to marcella. 
Enter citizens and rabble, L. 

[Trumpets sound off R. 

Cominius. Camillius hath returned! 

[Patricians slip off right rear. 
Sulpicius looking about for 
some point of escape. Marcella 
picks up sword. - 

Enter oamillius, R, followed by 
toldier bearing consul's hehnet. 
Next, trumpeter and standard- 



54 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 



bearer. Then, enter Roman 
officer H and soldiers R. 

xMucius. Hail, noble Camillius! 

Caoiillius. Greetings, good Mucius. 
ySees MARCELJ.A.] Ah, nay lady, Marcella! 
What dost, thou with a sword? Where 
IS my friend, thy noble husband, the 
commander? 

Marcella. [Dropping Head on l.a¥- 
rtnda's shoulder. Speaks with sobs.] My 
lord is dead. 

Camillius. Manlius dead! [Looks 
down, — sees cosus.] That is Cosus. He 
is dead! Who killed Cosus? 

Marcella, I did. 

Camillius. Thou! 

Marcella. He killed Manlius. 

Camillius. I am bewildered! Hath 
Rome gone mad! Command my legions 
to enter the city. [An officer salutes and 
exits, R.] I am supreme in Rome. Ex- 
plain, Mucius. What hath happened? 

Mucius. Cosus was appointed dicta- 
tor by the senate. Sulpicius charged 
Manlius with seeking the favor of the 
common people and conniving with 
certain other people with purpose to 



THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 55 

make himself king. Manlius was 
arrested on this charge, and brought 
before Cosus. The citizen jury acquit- 
ted him. But Cosus ordered another 
jury. The second jury was patrician, 
"^his jury found Manlius guilty, and 
Cosus condemned him to the traitor's 
death. His body is lying at the foot of . 
the Capitoline Hill. 

Camillius. Cosus was the traitor. 
But I did not think him quite so vile. 
He judicially murdered one of the 
noblest, truest Romans that ever lived. 
[S^ees suLPiCTus.] Is not that Sulpicius, 
yonder? 

MuciuB. It is, noble Camillius, 

[Sulpicius moves towards L, 
cringing and cowering. Rabble 
attacks him and, with a yell 
of rage, maul him off,L. 

Mucins. lA.side.] The common people 
will settle with Sulpicius,. now, 

Camillius. [To marcella.] Give me 
that sword. It doth not grace thy 
hand, 

Marcella. [Oiving Camillius aivord.] 



56 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 

It is Maolius's sword. It is time for me 
to go. [Drmvs dagger. Is about to stab 
Jierself.] 

Camillius. [Taking dagger from her, 
gently.^ Daughter of ray friend, take not 
thy life! [Throivs dagger rear.^ On the 
field of battle, thy noble father saved 
my life. But, in the act, he lost his own. 
I am old. I have no wife; no child. 
[Lifting up right hand.) I swear by the 
gods to be a father to thee, and to 
shield thee from all harm. Thou didst 
but kill the man that killed thy hus- 
band. Cosus was a traitor to the senate 
and the people. This, I am prepared to 
prove. Be patient, daughter, and think 
no more of death. The gods may give 
to thee a posthumous comfort. Thpu 
canst not live for Manlius, for he is 
dead; but thou canst live for Manhus's 
child and thine. Yea, live to tell ft of 
it's father's glory and it's father's 
wrongg. 

jyEaroella. I will live. Give me the 
sword. [Camillius gives her sword?\ I 
am his wife, and this is his sword. I 
loved him: the sword avenged him. 

Camilliwe. The wife anil th» sword! 



THE WIPE AND THE SWORD. 57 

How oft by Roman firesides, with Bigbs 
aod tears, will thy sad story b© told. 

Ifaroella. He is lying at the foot of 
the hill. Come, let us go to him. 

[Camillius puts right arm 
around Marcella, 

Camillius. Poor child! To look upon 
his shattered form, I fear — 

Marcella. Pear not, the gods go with 
me in my sorrow. 

[All fall m behind Camillius 
and Marcella. Mucius. Lau- 
rinda, and Cominius, first; 
next, helmet -bearer ; next, 
trumpeter and standard- 
bearer ; next, officer's and 
soldiers. Cortege moves slowly 
off L, Marcella sobbing and 
crying on Gamillius's shoulder. 

CUKTAin. 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



:-^%mB 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



L^ 




m 



017 400 867 A • 



fi- 




:' V^y 



?-»• 



>«>1-. A 



3^?' v" 





i 


\ " ■ -jf" 









'^'^^S 






m 



.^M.*^;'^ 



